Overhead a slight breeze rustles through the branches of the cottonwood trees. It is a pleasant sound in the park, comforting even, knowing that the trees and riverbottom offer a much different environment than nearby terrain void of trees and a protective lowland formed by centuries of river flows.

In summer the cottonwoods offer soothing shade, in winter they guard against harsh winds. The area is rich in historical significance.

“Obviously we reference the Lewis and Clark passage,” said Eric Lang, park manager. “The Native Americans used this area too. There are depressions just north of the park where they settled at one time. We are proud of the history of this park.”

The meeting room inside the Cross Ranch State Park Visitor’s Center details how transportation evolved on the Missouri River, from primitive bull boats to keel boats and paddle-wheelers. Today a series of dams has dramatically changed what was once a highway to the frontier, but not at Cross Ranch.

Kim Fundingsland/MDN Several yurts are available for rent at Cross Ranch State Park. The structures are outfitted with a variety of amenities.

“We are known for being along one of the last free flowing stretches of the Missouri River,” explained Lang. “This park offers people an opportunity to see what a natural setting is along the river. It’s pretty unique.”

Cross Ranch State Park is a chosen winter get-away for people seeking a break from the routines of everyday life or just searching for solitude away from their otherwise busy lives. In summer the park is a destination for many, for the same reasons and much more.

“I think the word is getting out about Cross Ranch. I’ve been seeing a lot of faces we’ve never seen before,” remarked Lang.

The popularity of the park has grown for the past several years, especially with on-going improvements relished by the public.

“I think people will be surprised if they haven’t been here in a while,” said Lang. “The park has changed a lot in the last 5 to 6 years.”

Changes include more electrical sites for RV camping, a wonderful addition to the park which has both rental cabins and yurts.

“Those have been really popular year-round,” said Lang. “The Pretty Point yurt and the York cabin are both full-service rentals that people are enjoying.”

Other cabins and yurts are available for rent too, all with a variety of amenities from primitive to semi-modern. A system of hiking trails, 17 miles to choose from, begins within a few steps from the door of each rental unit. The system allows access to a 5,000 acre nature preserve. Nature abounds at Cross Ranch.

“To me, this is a park that’s all about nature which I have a deep appreciation for,” stated Lang. “The nature of the park is important to me.”

While a pristine experience is all but guaranteed for the visitor to Cross Ranch, there are other activities that attract people to the park too. One of the best known is the park’s annual Bluegrass Festival which is always well attended in a wonderful outdoor setting.

“Unfortunately in 2020 we did have to cancel due to the uncertainty with COVID,” said Lang. “We are planning on, hopefully, to have the festival this year. We hope it works out. It’s a great event for the area.”

More about Cross Ranch State Park can be found at parkrec.nd.gov.